Tuesday, November 27, 2012

1863: "Patriotic Ode Sung in Charleston, South Carolina, on the 4th of July, 1828"


Patriotic Ode Sung in Charleston, South Carolina, on the 4th of July, 1828.
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: July 2, 1863.

The following patriotic ode was written for and sung at the celebration of American Independence, in the City of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1828, and is now re-produced from a memory of 30 years.

Tune- Bruce's Address.

Hail! our country's natal morn,
Hail! our spreading kindred born,
Hail! our banner not yet torn,
Waving o'er the free.
While this day in festal throng
Millions swell the patriot's song,
Shall not we thy notes prolong?
Hallowed jubilee!

Who would sever freedom's shrine?
Who would draw the invidious line?
Though one spot by birth be mine,
Dear is all the rest.
Dear to me the South's fair land,
Dear the central mountain band,
Dear New England's rocky strand,
Dear the prairied West.

By our altars pure and free,
By our laws' deep rooted tree,
By the past's dead memory,
By our Washington;
By our common parent tongue,
By our hopes, bright, buoyant, young-
By the ties of country, strong-
We will still be one.

Fathers! have ye bled in vain?
Ages! shall we drop again?
Make ___ we rashly stain
_____ngs sent by thee?
_____ receive our solemn vow-
_____ before Thy throne we bow-
_____ to maintain as now,
Union! Liberty?



1863: Columbia, Queen of the Land


Columbia, Queen of the Land.
by George A. Elliot.
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: July 2, 1863.

America! Home of the free,
To the star of thy liberties bright
Turn the eyes of the millions who flee
For a rescue from tyranny's night!
Though thy magical name and ensign unfurled
May enkindle some envy with joy in the world,
Yet the orbs of thy Union shall glow through all time
While the nations of earth own their splendor sublime!

CHORUS:
O, Columbia's banner, the flag of the free,
Shall be honored for aye, o'er the land and the sea!

Columbia's Queen of the Land!
From the heart of the nation, her throne,
She proclaims this benignant command:
"Let the will of my people be known!
They are free from the scourge of oppression's fell rod;
They are free evermore in the worship of God!
And the ensign that beams o'er the land of my birth
Shall a welcome fling out for the bond of the earth!"

CHORUS:
O, Columbia's banner, the flag of the free,
Shall be honored for aye, o'er the land and the sea!

America! Home of the free!
'Tis thy dear starry emblem that holds
The enchantment that binds us to thee-
All our fortunes to thine-in its folds!
On the wretch who its lustre or glory would pall
Shall the furious vengeance of patriots fall!
Yes, thy flag shall be sacred wherever unfurled,
And shall awe every traitor and foe in the world!

CHORUS:
O, Columbia's banner, the flag of the free,
Shall be honored for aye, o'er the land and the sea!





1926: "History Will Be Repeated July Fifth"


History Will Be Repeated July Fifth (1926)
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: July 3, 1926.

Periods in America and Hawaii will be Symbolized.
PARADE OUTLINED
Thirty-four Floats in Three Divisions to Participate

Thirty-four floats, symbolizing different periods in American and Hawaiian history, will form a part of the Fourth of July pageant and parade in Honolulu Monday morning, July 5.

The line of march will be from Thomas square along Beretania street to the Capitol grounds, leaving Thomas Square at 9:30 a.m., and passing the reviewing stand at Iolani palace at 10 a.m.

Each float will keep a distance of 25 feet from the float ahead of it. There will be three divisions of this feature, 12 representing the period from 1776 to 1826, 11 from 1826 to 1876, and 11 from 1876 to 1926. 

War veterans and members of patriotic organizations will assemble on King street Waikiki of Victoria street, with the head of the column at Victoria street, including Legionnaires, women of the auxiliary, G.A.R. men, and Spanish war soldiers. 

That unit of the parade will be known as the veterans' and patriotic section. Veterans desiring transportation should telephone Samuel Wilder King, chairman of the committee in charge, by noon today. 

Space is being allotted in the parade for all organizations that have signified intentions to participate, according to King. 

ENTRIES AND SUBJECTS
The entries, and the subjects symbolized, together with the organizations presenting them are:

"Spirit of '76," Pennsylvania Society.
"Signing of the Declaration of Independence," Sojourners club, Mr. Fleming, chairman.
"Liberty Bell," United States navy.
"Betsy Ross," Aloha Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mrs. N.M. Benyas, chairman.
"Evolution of the American Flag," Girl Scouts, Mrs. David Oleson, chairman.
"Benjamin Franklin at the Court of Louis XVI," St. Louis College, Brother August, chairman.
"The First Law of Kamehameha," Order of Kamehameha, John C. Lane, chairman.
"Louisiana Purchase," Columbus Welfare, Mrs. Swan, chairman.

BREAKING OF TABU
"Breaking of the Tabu," Daughters of Hawaii, Mrs. Charles Chillingsworth, chairman.
"Magellan's Discovery of the Pacific Ocean," Minerva club, Dr. L.R. Gasper, and Jose C. Sousa, chairmen.
"Daniel Boone," Punahou school, Mrs. E.A. Ross, chairman.
"Court of Queen Kaahumanu," Kaahumanu Society, Mrs. Alfred Smythe, chairman.
"Presentation of the First American Treaty" Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors, Mrs. A.P. Taylor, chairman.
"War with Mexico," Y.M.C.A., Scott Brainard, chairman.
"Reception of Commodore Perry at the Court of Japan," Japanese Society of Hawaii., K. Yamamoto, chairman.
"Covered Wagon," United States army.
"Civil War," American Legion auxiliary, Unit No. 1, Mrs. Harry Cooper, chairman.
"Emancipation of the Slaves," Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Harry Murray, chairman.

CHINESE WELCOME
"Five Chinese Nations Welcoming America," Chinese Community of Honolulu, W.C. Lee, chairman.
"Chinese Industry in American Railroad Development," Hawaiian Chinese Civic association, Dr. Dai Yen Chang, chairman.
"China Expressing Friendship for America, Chinese Community of Honolulu, W.C. Lee, chairman. 
"Flags Famous in American History," Boy Scouts, Sam Robley, chairman.
"Five Islands of Hawaii, Hui Manawa Lea, Mrs. Hoapili, chairman.
"Rough Riders of '98," Schofield Unit, American Legion auxiliary, Mrs. C.W. Weeks, chairman.
"Liberty Welcoming the Immigrants," Pan-Pacific Union, C.W. Kurokawa, chairman.
"From Sail to Wing," United States navy air base, Comdr. M.B. McComb, chairman.

AMERICAN SOLDIER
"American Soldier of 1918," Honolulu Post, American Legion, W.A. Anderson, chairman.
"Overseas Events of the World War," Kamehameha Schools, Mrs. W.B. Caldwell, chairman.
"World War Activities," American Red Cross, Mrs. Harry L. Dawson, chairman.
"Hut with Doughnuts," Salvation Army, Mr. Tamner, chairman.
"Melting Pot of the Pacific," Kewalo Athletic association, Mrs. John H. Wilson, chairman.
"Influence of America on Korean Home Life," Korean National association, Mr. Choy, chairman.
"Rehabilitation," Hale O Na Alii O Hawaii, Princess Kawananakoa, chairman.
"Spirit of 1926," Y.W.C.A., Mrs. Arthur Withington, chairman.

THOSE ASSISTING
Firms, individuals and organizations pledging tracks on which the floats can be built are the Honolulu Furniture company, Honolulu Construction and Drawing company, City Mill, Honolulu Construction company, Honolulu Planing Mill, United States Army, Lewers & Cooke, Schuman Carriage company, American Factors, Honolulu Dairyman's association, United States Navy, City Transfer, St. Louis College, Chester Clark, T,H. Davies & Co., von Hamm Young Company, and Allen & Robinson.

On Monday afternoon, there will be an old fashioned Fourth of July celebration at the Squattersville playground under the direction of "Mother" Waldron. Monday evening, the tableaux and pageant will conclude the day's festivities with a spectacular program at Iolani palace. 

All merchants in Honolulu have been requested to decorate their buildings today with flags and bunting. Tomorrow morning, patriotic exercises will be observed in the city's churches, and tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock there will be a massed band concert at Kapiolani park, beginning at 3 o'clock. 



  

Thursday, November 22, 2012

1876: Centennial Musings


Centennial Musings (1876)
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: November 4, 1876.

[On the 4th of July last, "on a lone barren isle" in the mid Pacific, a gentleman now in Honolulu composed the following spirited lines, which he entitles "Came too late for the Centennial," and sends them to the PACIFIC COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER:]

In the history of the human race,
A nobler deed you cannot trace,
That what in '76 took place,
A hundred years ago.

'Twas men of mark, with nerve and will,
That wrote on parchment with a quill,
What did with anger monarchs fill,
A hundred years ago.

Some copies of this document;
With all dispatch to France were sent,
Which gave King George's anger vent,
A hundred years ago.

Ship loads of venom quickly came,
Commanding, in King George's name,
That we submit, nor more complain,
A hundred years ago.

The struggle came, as come it must,
Which each man placed in God his trust,
For all they ask'd was fair and just,
A hundred years ago.

Then Freedom's torch and light did fill,
Each Patriot's breast-and does so still-
That blas'd so brighten on Bunker Hill,
A hundred years ago.

The royal troops in hellish pack
Of hired assassins, white and black,
Were worse than bloodhounds on their track,
A hundred years ago.

Immortal fame shall consecrate
The gallant hearts that met their fate,
Braving the royal idiot's hate,
A hundred years ago.

For there are names that will not die,
That did the royal wrath defy,-
They held commission from on high-
A hundred years ago. 

1876: The Coming Centennial 4th of July


The Coming Centennial 4th of July (1876)
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: June 24, 1876.

Honolulu is up and doing in the matter of celebrating the coming anniversary of American Independence. A public meeting was held on the evening go the 17th, of which Dr. J. Scott, U.S. Consul, was Chairman and H.L. Sheldon Secretary, when a Committee on Finance, consisting of Messrs. J.H. Paty, P.C. Jones, Jr., and A.J. Cartwright, and a General Committee of Arrangements of thirteen were appointed. A Committee of ladies was selected by the meeting and invited to participate in the celebration by a "Martha Washington Tea Party," in the evening of the 3rd, in costume of "ye olden time," which committee consists of Mrs. Consul Scott, Mrs. J.S. McGrew, Mrs. J. Mott Smith, Mrs. H.M. Whitney, Mrs. S.B. Dole, Mrs. P.C. Jones, Jr., Mrs. W.F. Allen, and Mrs. S.M. Damon. His Ex. H.A. Peirce, American Minister Resident, was invited to act as President of the day, and President Pratt, of Oahu College, to read the Declaration of Independence.

At the adjourned meeting, held on Thursday evening last, the Committee of Arrangements, through their Chairman, Mr. E.P. Adams, reported that they had divided into the following sub-committees:

Celebration at Kawaiahao- Messrs. H.A.P. Carter, M. Louisson, W.W. Hall.
Salutes and Fireworks- W.F. Allen, E.P. Adams, J.W. Maguire.
Music- W.W. Hall, A. Pratt.
Picnic (head of Emma Street)- R.W. Laine, A.W. Carter, P.C. Jones, Jr., T. Foster, G. West.
Dancing- J.H. Paty, A.W. Carter.
Invitation- E.P. Adams, H.A.P. Carter, W.F. Allen, H.M. Whitney.

Mr. J.H. Paty, on behalf of the Finance Committee, reported that the subscriptions for the celebration amounted to some $2,250, and that the paper would be open for signers until the "day we celebrate." The chairman stated on behalf of the Committee of ladies that they had engaged the large dining room of the Hawaiian Hotel for the "Tea Party," and that they extended a general invitation for all to attend. Special invitations would be sent to their Majesties the King and Queen, the Royal Family and the Queen Dowager Emma. Everybody, it is expected, will appear at the tea-party in old-time costume, as far as practicable. The programme of proceedings on the Fourth has not yet been perfected, but will be published at an early day. We learn, however, that it is proposed to have a salute of thirteen guns at six a.m.; the parade of the "antiques and horribles;" services at Kawaiahao Church; picnic in the afternoon at the Royal School grounds, head of Emma Street, with dancing, sack and foot races, greased pole and greased pig, and a table spread for 1500 persons; another salute at sun-down; and fire-works and a bonfire in the evening.

The meeting of Thursday evening was a most enthusiastic and harmonious one, and was enliven by an eloquent and patriotic speech from the Chairman, Consul Scott, and  singing of national and patriotic songs by the whole company, led by an excellent choir. 



Monday, November 12, 2012

1926: Hawaii Day At Sesqui is Emphasized


Hawaii Day At Sesqui is Emphasized
William R. Castle, Jr., May Make Address for Hawaii
Source: Honolulu Advertiser. Honolulu: Saturday, July 3, 1926.

The program for Hawaii Day, July 7, at the sesquicentennial exposition is being emphasized by the exposition officials, and will be participated in by which the military, according to a message received yesterday by Mrs. Emma Ahuena Taylor, premier of the Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors society, from Miles Cary. 

He stated that the exposition officials, in their cooperation, have suggested features for the program outlined before the Warriors' delegation left Honolulu, and plan to have  a brilliant military procession through the grounds, as a special escort to the Warriors.

ESCORT OF HONOR
As to the frigate Constellation, which the Warriors are to honor with leis and a Hawaiian flag, it lies at the navy yard. It is now planned that the celebration shall start from the exposition grounds, and the islanders, in full regalia of their order, will be accompanied by an honor escort of troops until they reach the Constellation's dock.

The exposition officials have asked that they prepare an appropriately decorated float in which the delegation should proceed from the grounds to the Constellation. Cary, in his message, asked the approval of the premier of the society. A message was forwarded yesterday afternoon direct to Miss Reis, approving the float plan. 

A message was also received from Miles Cary by the Chamber of Commerce, of similar purport. 

CASTLE MAY SPEAK
It was first hoped that U.S. Senator Hiram Bingham (III), who was born in Hawaii, might make the address. He has stated that he will be unable to be in Philadelphia on Hawaii Day. An effort is being made to have William R. Castle, Jr., who is an official of the State Department, at Washington, to make the address. 

Mrs. Mira Pitman of Boston, who was in Honolulu recently, has advised local friends that she will go to Philadelphia early next week to participate in the ceremony, which is to take place aboard the Constellation. This ceremony is planned to honor the vessel for the conspicuous part she played in the history of Hawaii in 1843 while she was lying in the harbor of Honolulu. 




1865: Speech by H.B.M. Acting Commissionar and Consul-General W.L. Green


Speech of W. L. Green, Esq. (1865)
H.B.M. Acting Commissionar and Consul-General. 
July 4, 1865.
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: July 8, 1865.

Mr.  President, Ladies and Gentlemen:-

I think it is hardly fair to call upon me to say anything upon such an important occasion as this, totally unprepared as I am, after you ahem just heard orations from gentlemen fully prepared, and who have proved themselves so capable of doing ample justice to the subject; but, I feel the more confidence, because I am sure that you are all in that humor here to-day that you will be perfectly satisfied with whatever I say. Nay-should I be so foolish or so stupid as to say something even insulting, I believe that you are in such a mood that you would forgive me. And well you may-this is a great day for you. This is the greatest Fourth of July for you since the Fourth of July, 1776. Your country has just passed through a severe ordeal, but there is no question you have come out of it triumphantly. During those four years of trial, fearful as they were, the United States as a nation has taken an immense stride. You have advanced your position in the scale of nations more during those four years than during the larger part of a century preceding. As a military power, to day you rank, if I am not mistaken, first among the nations of the world. 

As your President has remarked, I am English, and I look upon your position from an English point of view-but these are simply the plain facts, as I have stated them. Why need I enlarge? You all see how matters stand-we all see how matters stand. Your power as a nation is vastly increased-your power for good or for evil. Your greatness and your responsibilities are immensely extended at the same moment.

I will not detain you long, but there is one subject I feel as I ought to touch upon. By the last mail or two we have had rumors of war between England and the United States-allusion has been made here to-day of "a little bill" which Brother Jonathan is said to have presented to John Bull. As the news reaches us in this remote corner of the world, it presents itself something in this wise-Jonathan has made out a bill against John Bull and handing it in says, "there's my bill, if you don't pay I'll lick you." Now I hardly can believe that this is the way it has been done-at least if it is, it is because Brother Jonathan never expected to get paid. The answer that John Bull would probably give to a bill presented in this way would be, -"Gentlemen, you can take it out of my hide," or words to that effect-as the lawyers say-and that is a pretty tough old bull's hide yet; and I think you will admit that John Bull would take a good deal more whipping than Jeff Davis and the Dragon that we have heard about today. But Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, I do not believe there will be any war at all- and I will give you my reason for that belief. It appears to me that the United States is in that position this 4th of July, A.D., 1865, that she not care a snuff whether the bill is paid or not. She can afford not to care. It is not for me here to enter into the question of the correctness of this bill-I presume if it is a correct one it will be paid, if it is not a correct one it won't be paid. But Mr. President and Gentlemen, if that bill were ten times the amount it is, and if you were ten times more satisfied than you are the bill was correct, if I do not much mistake the temper and spirit of the people of the United States on this day, you are at heart indifferent about the payment of it. It is not a nation that has just achieved the title to be confident of her position amongst the powers of the earth that is anxious at once to mantonly plunge into war.

But after all, when I look around upon this assembly and see the satisfied faces-after hearing all the speeches of this day, and contemplating the events of the last four years as there portrayed, I begin to think that war between England and the United States may not be such a bad thing-who knows? It may do some of us good-it may do you good-or it may do us good-perchance it may do us both good-we may thrash each other into mutual respect- and we may then be better friends than ever we were; this alone would be a good result. Of one thing, I, and an Englishman, should feel, and do feel proud and happy, and that is that the war between England and the United States (if war there is to be) has been deferred-has been delayed till to-day-because now, with your internal dissensions put down-with a splendid army and navy in the highest state of discipline-be tried leaders, taught by experience, and confident from success-there would be some credit in giving you a good whipping! 

1926 Editorial: Hawaii May Become the Throne of Liberty


Hawaii May Become the Throne of Liberty
Source: Honolulu Advertiser. Honolulu: Monday, July 4, 1926. Editorial page.

Naturally upon the hour of the Fourth of July celebrations the Declaration of Independence for these states appears in letters of living light. Naturally the men who wrote the immortal document takes a foremost place among the people. Otherwise something of supreme importance has gone from the spirit of America. 

For however he has been traduced and maligned and discredited by those who disbelieve in his clearly stated convictions of democracy Thomas Jefferson is the very soul off that theory of Government which propounds the equality of men. The greatest thinkers of the world are generally agreed that the three supreme figures in American history are Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. Lincoln gave such supremacy to the two former. His most intimate associate has testified that the only two men for whom the Emancipator was ever heard to express real reverence were Washington and Jefferson.

We have Lincoln's own words to establish such a statement concerning Jefferson. In a letter responding to an invitation to speak at a Jefferson dinner in Boston in 1860 Lincoln wrote:

Soberly, it is no child's play to save the principles of Jefferson from total overthrow in this nation. The principles of Jefferson are the definitions and axioms of free society.

Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. It is beyond doubt, next to the Sermon on the Mount, the greatest statement of the primal truths of human society. The breakers of time wash over it. They recede and its statements shine forth undimmed, revealing the fundamental principles of free society in letters of living light. The universality of Jefferson's mind may have new illumination from the fact that Hawaii was only duly known to exist when he strode the stage of the New World, and yet his theory of government and standards of liberty fit as snugly to these "far-flung" islands that have practically come into existence since his time add they did to New America of his day. In fact the Declaration of Independence which Thomas Jefferson wrote and his wise contemporaries simplified the very essence of Truth applied to human life. 

It may be that this wonderful declaration of man's universal worth and independence will not be read during the present celebration in Honolulu. It may be that it is considered a back number, a statement of truths that are so apparent it is unnecessary to repeat them. Such time will never be until the Millennium. Human rights and privileges must be seen, recognized and fought for now and forever if government of the people, by the people and for the people is to endure.

In our great national prosperity we are prone to forget the foundations on which that general prosperity rests. We are prone to take the easiest way: to let the dead bury its dead. In that way lies National decay and disaster. We are a long way from realizing in our daly life, and in our government the fundamental principles of the Declaration of Independence. Men are not free and equal in fact. That consummation however devoutly wished for is far from consummation. But it is the goal. Don't forget that. Moreover, man was placed on this earth to fight for that goal, to demonstrate its reality. That is what the celebration of the Fourth of July, -Independence Day- means to each and all of us.

Behind all the noise and racket the faithful listener can hear the still small voice of Truth:

I am the Soul of human intelligence. I will establish my throne upon earth.

Amid the noise and shouting let us give a moment to this still small Voice. It will help us to advance along the road toward final liberty and universal freedom which is the final goal of humanity, to which humanity is destined to go. And may it not be that here in Hawaii is to be finally set up the throne of Independence for all the world? 


Thursday, November 8, 2012

1865: British Schooner Yacht Themis: Fourth of July In Honolulu


1865: British Schooner Yacht Themis: Fourth of July In Honolulu 
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: July 22, 1865

Correspondence

UNITED STATES LEGATION.
Honolulu, July 14, 1865
Capt. Thos. R. Hanham:
MY DEAR SIR: -It is with profound regret I learned that one of your men while firing a salute from your yacht, the Themis, on the ever memorable fourth, the anniversary of American Independence, was seriously wounded, losing the greater portion of one of his hands.

Subsequently, however, I have heard that he has passed all danger, and is now in the process of rapid recovery. Will you allow me to ask the favor that you will express to the man for me, my sincere grief at his loss, and earnest wish for his rapid recovery and future welfare.

My fellow citizens in Honolulu, with their usual promptness and quick sympathetic impulses, are, through a committee, collecting a fund from the Americans, (to which I had the honor to subscribe) for the benefit of the disabled man. 

In this connection also, allow me both for my fellow citizens and myself, to express our high appreciation of the manly and liberal spirit which promoted the rather unusual extent of courtesy, which you manifested in so beautifully and tastefully decorating your yacht for that day, and in firing the national salute.

And in their behalf and for myself, I beg to tender you our heartiest thanks.

With very great respect,
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES MCBRIDE
U.S.M.R.
________________________________________________________

SCHOONER YACHT THEMIS
Honolulu, July 20, 1865
MY DEAR SIR: -For your very kind letter of the 14th accept my warmest thanks. With reference to the liberal donation I have just received, and to which you subscribed, I will only observe it is another and most pleasing exhibition of that kindness and sympathy which I trust will ever subsist between the two great representatives of the Anglo-Saxon race. I only regret that the small amount of feeling bale to be expressed by decorating my yacht and firing a salute in honor of the anniversary of American Independence, should be "rather unusual," for I hold it to be a day of rejoicing to the Englishmen of the present age, second only to that of an American citizen. Had the result of that glorious struggle been other than it was, it would have retarded the cause of Civil and Religious Liberty over the whole world, for which, there is no more earnest advocate than, 
My dear sir,
Your very obedient servant,
Thos. B. Hanham
To His Excellency James McBride, United States Minister, Honolulu. 
________________________________________________________

ROSEBANK, July  8, 1865-5 P.M.
MY DEAR CAPTAIN HANHAM:- I pray you to accept, for William Burman, disabled in firing a salute on the Fourth of July, my enclosed cheque for $50, and apply the amount in the way that you consider most useful to him.

I am glad to hear that several Americans have preceded me in such a manifestation of sympathy for that British sailor. It pleases me to follow their lead in so good a cause-and it pleases me still more to assure you that I remain,
My dear Capt. Hanham,
Yours ever truly,
R.C. WYLLIE.
Captain Thomas B. Hanham, R.N., owner of the Themis, Cottage of King Kamehameha III, Iolani Palace.

________________________________________________________

PALACE, Honolulu, July 11, 1865
MY DEAR MR. WYLLIE:-Your most liberal donation to poor Burman has caused very deep and sincere feelings of gratitude from him, which he is just now only able to express through me-but I hope you will allow me, while thanking you in his name, to say how much I appreciate the real kind feeling which has led you in such a way to show your sympathy for what has naturally been a cause of anxiety and sorrow to all concerned. Although I know I need not tell yu that so far as worldly prospects, it will always be my care to provide for, and enable him to feel as little as may be the effects of the accident which has befallen him, still it is none the less grateful to me to know that one whom I have had so much reason to respect and admire during my stay in these islands, feels for and with me in this matter, by so delicate and generous an expression of interest and friendship. 

I am sure you will be glad to learn that Buman is progressing as favorably as possible. He is now allowed to take a little more nourishment and fruit. Again thanking you for this, and all your encouraging kindness and hospitality to me and mine,
I am, my dear Mr. Wylllie
Yours very faithfully,
THOS. B. HANHAM
To His Excellency R.C. Wyllie, &c., &c., &c., Rosebank





Wednesday, October 31, 2012

1926 Honolulu Advertiser Editorial


The Fourth of July In Honolulu
Source: Honolulu Advertiser. Honolulu: July 5, 1926. Editorial page.

America's greatest holiday is taken for granted in mainland communities. It comes and goes with the regularity of the seasons, just one Fourth of July after another. There are the picnic, the celebrations, the parades and the firecrackers. There are patriotic addresses, double-header baseball games and the firemen's ball.

The people always welcome the day. It is different from any other day in the year. To observe it is automatic. To not observe it is unthinkable.

In Honolulu, although an American territory, the situation is slightly different. Everything in the way of a celebration is not so automatic. We have the firecrackers and the picnics and the ball games, of course -also the patriotic addresses, and hereafter the firemen's ball. All these things have to be planned and worked out by communities-but that's as it should be.

Hence, the day becomes a red letter day as well as a holiday. It is fraught with something big that many nationalities here are only beginning to understand. A younger generation is arriving, and this generation more thoroughly appreciates the American viewpoint. We, in Honolulu, are not like our citizens on the mainland, in that they have resided all their lives in a strictly American atmosphere, whereas out here the American atmosphere necessarily had to be brought forward.

But the day is arriving when Hawaii will know no other rue, no other ideals, no other outlook, than the American version. That fact will be forcefully emphasized-in the great pageant that will wend its way along the streets. The mileposts in American and Hawaiian history will be depicted through the medium of floats. Such a celebration will be educational, as well as full of color and beauty.

Therefore, we doubt if any mainland city will overshadow Honolulu this year in enthusiasm, in detail and genuine patriotic fervor in its Fourth of July observance. 


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

1875: The Centennial in 1876


The Centennial in 1876
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser: Honolulu. Saturday. August 7, 1875


THE CENTENNIAL IN 1876
The American Centennial celebration and exhibition in Philadelphia next year, will afford us a great opportunity which we must not neglect. Our islands have become better known, and more and more popularized in America, owing to the auspicious visit of His Majesty. The American people are in a kindly expectant mood towards us, hoping good things of little Hawaii; and so when the nationals are gathered together to make a display of their skill and taste, and natural wealth in the great industrial palace in Fairmount Park, we must fill a place with our best, and in a way worthy of the expectations of our great continental friends.

We hear of some preparations of geologic specimens, woods and ferns, and of packages of staple productions. But this is not enough. We should send a full illustration of the capabilities of our fertile soil. Besides the products, the quality of the soil itself should be systematically displayed. And then an illustration of the surface of our Archipelago would be of the greatest interest and value. We do not mean mere map, but a raised models of the islands. We have the skill and the material for such a work, and we only need an application of funds designed to assist in the proper presentation of our Archipelago, and its products at the great centennial celebration, to get up the model.

Fathermore we should fully illustrate the character and abundance of our heritage and pasture, so unusual in a tropical climate. A full display of our fibrous plants, and of the lint and fibre they produce would awaken a great interest. Our ancient coral masses that lie inland of our shores are deserving of attention; as also our chalk and other mineral deposits. Our forest trees will of course not be overlooked, which abound in valuable barks, leaves, and roots, as well as furniture woods; and also there are the shells, mosses, lichens, lcyhopods and hepasticoe to add beauty and interest to the whole display. 

Our native appreciation of art ought to be displayed by our skillful native band, which could in 1776 make musical echoes around the old State House in Chesnut street, and then would remind the thinkers there present that at the time that a great branch of the English family was springing into independent national life, there was a great and enterprising Englishman about to make known unto the world in Pacific waters the savage sires of these tuneful band boys.

We trust this national work of collection and arrangement is in the hands of those qualified by inclination, taste and opportunity to mask it a labor of love; and that interesting little Hawaii, who will be hailed with favor from America, will be gloriously illustrated at the great American centennial exhibition in 1876.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

1865: The Fourth Honolulu (The Friend)


The Fourth
Source: The Friend. Honolulu: August 1, 1865 front page

Our neighbors, the Advertiser and Gazette, reported most fully the proceedings of the Fourth of July. The American portion of the foreign community made most generous provision for the due observance of the day. Never was the day observed upon so extensive and expensive a style on the Sandwich Islands. A general invitation was issued for all foreigners to occupy a seat at the amply supplied tables.

The Rev. Dr. Gulick was orator of the day, and a most eloquent oration was delivered by him. It has been published, together with several other appropriate addresses, in reply to the usual sentiments on such occasions. In the oration of Dr. Gulick there was one thought that merits repetition, until Brother Jonathan and all other members of Uncle Sam's large family, at home and abroad, shall act in accordance with the suggestion:

" Brother Jonathan may and must now give over the swaggering of his younger years. He is no longer an untried youth. He is a man and a Power on this earth. Let him put his hat squarely on his head, and walk like a man among men. He need not bully anybody, but he may calmly insist on fair play."

1865: The Coming “4th” in Honolulu (The Friend)


The Coming “4th” in Honolulu
Source: The Friend. Honolulu: July 1, 1865 front page

American citizens are making unusual preparations for celebrating the coming "4th" Nearly $2,000 has been subscribed to defray expenses. The Rev. Dr. Gulick has been invited to deliver the oration. Tables will be provided for 400 guests. The committee of arrangements, we understand, will extend a general invitation to all foreign residents to participate in the festivities of the occasion.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

1865: Monsieur de Tocqueville’s Fourth of July Speech in Paris


Monsieur de Tocqueville’s Fourth of July Speech in Paris
Source: The Friend. Honolulu: July, 1865, page 56.

A number of years ago, says a writer in the Democratic Age, happening to be in Paris on the 4th of July, with many other Americans, we agreed to celebrate “the day” by a dinner at the Hotel Meurice. There were seventy-two of us in all. We had but one guest. This was M. de Tocqueville, who had then rendered himself famous by his great work upon Democracy in America. During the festivities in the evening, after the cloth had been removed, and speechifying had commenced, some gentleman alluded en passant to the fact that he was born in Connecticut. 

“Connect-de-coot,” exclaimed Monsieur de Tocqueville, as he suddenly rose with the enthusiasm of a Frenchman. "Vy messieurs, I vill tell you, vid the permission of de Presidante of this festival, yon very leetal story, and then I vill give you yon grand sentiment, to dat little State you call Con-nect-de-coot. Yon day yen I was in de gallery of the House of Representatif, I held one map of the Confederation in my hand. Dere was yon leetle yellow spot dat dey call Connect-de-coot. 1 found by the Constitution, he was entitled to six of his boys to represent him on dat floor. But ven I make de acquaintance persone/fe with dc member, I find dat more than tirty of the Representation dat floor was born in Connect-de-coot. And then yen I was in the gallery of the House of the Senat, I find de Constitution permit Connect-de-coot to send two of his boys to represent him in dat Legislature. But once more ven I make de acquaintance personelle of the Senator, I find nine of de Senator was born in Connect-de-coot. So den, gentlemen, I have made my leetle speech; now I vill give you my grand sentiment:

"Connect-de-coot, the leetle yellow spot dat make dc clock-peddler, de school-master, and de senator. De first give you time ; the second tell you what you do with him ; and dc sird make your law and your civilization, — and then as he was resuming his seat amidst roars of laughter, he rose again, and with that peculiar gesticulation which characterizes all Frenchmen in moments of excitement, he shook his finger tremulously over the assembled confreres, and exclaimed to the top of his voice,' Ah! gentlemen, dat leetle yellow State you call Connect-de-coot is one very great miracle to me."

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

1865: The Fourth in North Kohala (Big Island, Hawaii)


The Fourth in North Kohala
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: July 15, 1865

KOHALA PLANTATION, July 5, 1865
MR. EDITOR: -As it may be of interest for your valuable paper, I send you the following description of how we kept the Fourth in North Kohala:

Preparations being made for the celebration of the Eighty-ninth Anniversary of America’s Independence in a manner becoming the number of United States citizens here, the dangling form of an effigy of that arch-traitor, Jeff Davis, was discovered at dawn, and the rising sun was welcomed by a salute of thirteen guns and the hoisting of a beautiful American flag-the first that this district has seen- made by the patriotic ladies of the place, to whom Kohala owes much for the first Fourth of July celebration.

The natives employed on the place were granted a holiday, and, after completing the decorations of a lanai, which was built for the expected feast, donned their best apparel- many of them having a tasty uniform-and engaged in sports or watched the arrival of their many visitors. Jeff, as he hung from his gibbet, was a source of curiosity to them till four o’clock, when, after being used to good purpose as a target for rifle-shooting, he was taken down for a while and carried around by the natives, first in hand, then on a pole, and finally on horseback, to the great amusement of all.

At two o’clock the luau of the day was announced as ready, to which the foreigners of the Plantation and invited guests sat down, numbering about thirty-five, and of natives over five hundred, after which the national Hawaiian propensity for horse-riding was carried out.

At sunset there was another salute given, and at half-past seven commenced the display of fireworks, which lasted an hour, consisting of rockets, wheels, mines, Union candles, and Bengolas, with the usual deafening amount of crackers. During the exhibition, Jeff met with the fate he deserved, by being set on fire. As he dropped into the flames beneath him, cheer on cheer was given that was echoed back by the hills. Thus passed as grand a celebration of the Fourth as ever was held on the Islands, outside of the metropolis; and, during the whole, the best feeling pervaded, and the day closed without an accident to mar its pleasures.
T.G.T. 

1865: The Fourth of July Meeting on June 24, Honolulu


The Fourth of July Meeting
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu: June 24, 1865 3rd page

FOURTH OF JULY MEETING. –In accordance with the notice in last week’s paper, the American citizens assembled in the new Hall, on Saturday evening last. Before the meeting was called to order, the company sang, “John Brown’s soul is marching on;” after which the Hon. J. McBride, Minister Resident, was called to the chair, and his Secretary of Legation, A.D. Cartwright, Esq., was appointed secretary. After some discussion, a committee of eight was appointed to take the whole matter of celebration into their hands, with power to add to their number if they so chose, the only direction given them was to have the celebration somewhat after the style of the one last year. A subscription list was then started, and some $900 was promised by those present, which has since increased to nearly $2,000. After the meeting closed, the “Star Spangled Banner,” and “Rally around the Flag,” were sung, with three cheers for the Union and three more for Gen. Grant. The Committee’s programme appears in today’s paper.*

Thursday, October 11, 2012

1870: Anniversary of American Independence, Honolulu


Anniversary of American Independence
Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser: Honolulu. Saturday, July 9, 1870

A characteristic feature of life in Honolulu has always been the observance of the Fourth of July. As far back as the memory of the oldest inhabitant can refer, it was observed with the same patriotic enthusiasm as has been shown in more recent times. Some years ago, we published an interesting account given to us by the venerable Captain Adams, of the first public celebration of the fourth of July, which took place in 1814- fifty-six years ago, and under the auspices of KAMEHAMEHA FIRST. It included a feast, which was given on or near the premises now occupied by Sheridan Peck, Esq., on Beretanian Street, and is said to have been witnessed by over ten thousand people. From that day to this, and under the reign of five of the Kamehemehas, it has been each year observed with more or less public demonstration.

Captain Adams, we may remark in passing, is still living. We called on him a few days ago, and found him enjoying comfortable health for an old man. He is now 90 yars of age, only four less than that of the American Republic! Though his sight has failed, he still retains the active memory and speech which he has always had, and appears to delight in narrating events of the olden time.

The fourth occurred this year on Monday, and was as pleasant a day as could be desired. Salutes were fired from the head of Emma street a sunrise and sunset. At 12 o’clock, the American Minister Resident received the officers of the Hawaiian Government, the diplomatic corps, and citizens generally, and entertained them at a bountiful collation, spread under the shady trees which ornament the grounds of the Legation. The following toasts were given on the occasion:
1-    The President of the United States.
2-    King Kamehameha V.
3-    The memory of Washington-first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.

At half past 1 o’clock, the American Consul and his lady received the visits of their friends, which included ladies as well as gentlemen. This is a new feature of national anniversary receptions, and a very special innovation on the old-established custom, which restricts visits to the male sex. There is every reason why it should become a permanent custom, and it will surely be a most popular one is established. About 2 o’clock, in response to a call from his guests for a toast of something else, the Consul addressed them in the following remarks:

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FRIENDS AND FELLOW-CITIZENS: -This spontaneous meeting is an evidence that you feel as I do, that on this day Americans should meet together to celebrate another anniversary of the Independence of that great nation, the name of which calls up so many cherished remembrances of loved homes and about friends of a country endeared to us by a thousand tender ties and patriotic recollections, and to many of us made doubly dear by her recent baptism in blood-from which I thank God, our own America has emerged with her garments purified as is the cloth of asbestos after having passed through the fiery furnace.

It is moot that we should thus assemble on the baptismal day of our motherland to offer up our tribute of thanks to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the blessings which our country has so long enjoyed, to refresh our memories with the history of the struggles of that noble band of heroes who, under the leadership of the immortal Washington, fought for the great principles of the universal brotherhood of man, for that vital truth that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and in defense of the inalienable right of man to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Ninety-four years ago this day our patriot sires gave to the world that immortal declaration, based on the self evident truths which I have just quoted, and proclaimed the advent of a nation. In defense of these principles our fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Three millions of people stood forth as the sponsors of the infant republic and baptized it in the rivers of their best blood. I have called this the baptismal day of the Republic-and such it is in truth. It was the tardy announcement that the child, born on the 5th of September, 1774, was henceforth to be known as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, for it was on that 5th of September, by the delegates of the good people of the colonies, at Philadelphia, in Continental Congress assembled, that the Union was virtually formed.

Then it was that the gifted Patrick Henry gave a distinctive name to the people of the nation just entering into existence. He said, “oppression has effaced the boundaries of the several colonies: the distinction between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian but an American.” It was soon apparent that the mother country would not recede from the position she had assumed with regard to the colonies, although we now know that many of the wisest statesmen were in favor of acceding to the just demands of the American people. The signs of the impending crisis were unmistakable and the people commenced to prepare for conflict. In march, 1775, the clarion voice of the patriot Patrick Henry again sounded forth resistance to tyranny, in words that will live as long as the noble language in which they were uttered.

“There is no retreat but in submission and slavery. Our chains are forged! Their clankings may be heard on the plains of Boston. The next breeze that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms… I know not what course others may take; but as for me-give me liberty, or give me death!” In the following month came the news of the massacre at Lexington and the battle at Concord bridge. In may of the following year the second Continental Congress assembled at Philadelphia and took measures to carry on the war.

In June the battle of Bunker hill was fought, in which the loss of the patriots was 449 to 1,054 on the side of the enemy. The various engagements of the year inspired the colonists with confidence, and greatly increased their desire for independence. On the 4th of July, 1776, the representatives of the people gave a tongue to that desire by the announcement that “these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”

The preparation of the Declaration of Independence had been entrusted to a committee, of which Thos. Jefferson was chairman, and, when it was adopted on that day by the unanimous vote of the Continental Congress, then assembled at the State House in Philadelphia, the glad tidings were heralded forth by the pealings of that sacred bell on which, by some mysterious Providence, had been cast the prophetic words, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Of the long years of bitter warfare, of privation and sacrifice, which followed until at length the mother country acknowledged our Independence, I do not now propose to give you a detailed account. It is well for us, however, to frequently refresh our recollections with some of the incidents of that eventful struggle, and to strengthen ourselves in our efforts in behalf of right by contemplating the sacrifices which our fathers made for a grand principle.

As a boy, I have frequently wandered over the hills of Valley Forge, on which were encamped the army of Washington, during that memorable winter of 1777-78, one of the darkest periods of our nation’s history, and have listened with eager interest to the touching recital of the trials of that heroic band. Standing on a bank, once a part of the principle redoubt of that entrenched camp, my imagination has again peopled those fields and chesnut groves with that ragged collection of barefooted men whose bloody tracks in the snow attested their devotion to the cause of freedom, and whose sufferings caused our sensitive French-American-the noble Lafayette- to shed tears of sympathy.

Their rude huts and miserable canvas tents appeared to be before me. I seemed to see the barefooted sentinels pacing their rounds on the frozen crust of the snow and the Father of his Country- his great heart filled with anguish for the sufferings of his faithful soldiers-moving amongst them exhorting to constancy, or seated in the council room of that unpretentious house which served as his head quarters, devising, with the aid of his faithful lieutenants, the measures which were to lead to victory.

I charge you to impress upon your own minds and on the minds of your children, a deep sense of what we and they and humanity at large owe to those heroic men. The success of the principles underlying that revolution was as a gospel and a revelation to all mankind. It was the breaking up of that old idol worship which taught that sovereigns govern by divine right, and that the will of the people is not to be considered. Not to keep up old feelings of animosity toward that great race from which we sprung would I teach our children to remember the sufferings of that winter camp at Valley Forge, or the blood shed on the fields of Monmouth, of Trenton, of Brandywine, Yorktown, and a hundred others, but to impress their minds with the great truth that he who struggles for the success of a righteous principle has not labored in vain. In the stirring words of one of our choicest ports:

“Who braves the battle wins the bride;
Who dies the death for truth shall be
Alive in love eternally;
For never yet beneath the sun
Was battle by the devil won;
For what to thee defeat may be,
Time makes a glorious victory.”

That the lessons of constancy, self-sacrifice and all the qualities which go to make up the most exalted patriotism, taught us by the revolutionary fathers, have not been lost, we have had recently most abundant proofs.

That perfect wisdom is not the attribute of any man or body of men we know full well. Our fathers laid down their arms when a virtual recognition was given to the great truths they had proclaimed, trusting that the lapse of a few years and the fixing of a period, at which should end one of the evils introduced under the reign of the parent government- would eradicate the one blot upon our escutcheon- the one sore of the body politic.

We have been forced to again learn the lesson that there can be no safety in compromising with sin. How well the nation has shown that it was sound at heart-although into some of its members crept the insidious poison infused by the demon slavery- let the bloody fields of Gettysburg and the Wilderness and a hundred others attest. Forever dear to our memories will be the names of Grant, Sherman, Thomas Sheridan, and of all the other noble leaders of our victorious legions, who faced the leaden hail to defend the eternal principles of right on which our national existence is founded.

Not less sacred to all true Americans will be the sweet memories of the nameless hosts who perished on countless bloody fields to preserve the beautiful structure reared by patriot hands and cemented by their blood:

“On Fame’s eternal camping-ground
Their silent tents are spread;
And glory guards with solemn round
The bivosac of the dead.
Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead!
Dear as the blood ye gave!
No impious footstep here shall tread
The herbage of your grave;
Nor shall your glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps
Or Honor points the hallowed spot,
Where Valor proudly sleeps.”

While we drop a reverent tear to their memory, we may also rejoice that they have not died in vain.

Perhaps they did not all realize the importance of the cause for which they contended, but never in the history of the world did contending armies meet in the chock of battle, where the importance of the results to be achieved was so well understood, or devotion to the cause so much the result of a deep conviction of duty, as in the case of the men who fought for the preservation of that glorious Union whose corner stone is inscribed with the words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created free and equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, amongst which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

A brave Christian soldier, who fought through all the late terrible struggle, told me that when marching to the conflict he frequently repeated these inspiring words from the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was borne across the sea,
With a glory on his visage that transfigures you and me;
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
                                                            His truth is marching on.

That His truth is marching on we cannot doubt. The proclamation of the sainted Lincoln –so reverently recognized by the dusky victims of oppression as the second father of his Country, Father Abraham- has been nobly ratified by the seals of our brothers, stamped with the hilts of their sabers, and enforced by their blades. We have added to our confirmation by attaching to the Constitution the Fifteenth Amendment, and now who shall gainsay us when we proudly boast that ours is “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”  Well then may we rejoice on this festal day of the Republic.

In the eye of history it is but a little while since we were but three millions of people, now forty millions claim the proud name of American citizens. But a few years ago- in fact within the memory of some of us- the United States were virtually enclosed between the Alleghanies and the Atlantic. I remember, when a child, of hearing of our neighbors immigrating to the back woods of ___ . Now a band of sister states, united under one firm government, stretch in unbroken line from the great ocean on the east to the great ocean on the west, bound together by bands of iron and cords of toughened wire.

But a few years since the enemies of freedom said that our form of government was an experiment, that it was being weighed in the balance and would be found wanting in the elements of vitality and strength. Now throughout the civilized world the oppressed gather courage and inspiration from the proofs we have given them of the capacity of man for self government. Constitutional governments are everywhere becoming the rule, the rights of the people are constantly being enlarged, the elective franchises widened, and serfdom and slavery are rapidly hastening to extinction.

Steam and electric telegraph are dissipating those foolish antipathies between nations and races which were of old so carefully cherished, and the schoolmaster is abroad educating the people into a better acquaintance with themselves and their fellows.

A larger and more comprehensive statesmanship is taking the place of the old fashioned diplomacy. Americans may well point with pride to the honorable course pursued by our own Seward in the delicate questions with which he had to deal, and also t the not less wise and just policy of the present administration.

We have abundantly proven to the world our ability to cope, if necessary, with any power, however great, and can therefore well afford to be magnanimous and to show our faith in the right by acting towards other governments if we think they should, under similar circumstances, act toward us.

I think that the instinctive love of justice of the people of one great nation and the nice sense of honor which is the boast of another, will lead, in both cases, to a satisfactory solution of any questions now pending between us and them.

I trust that the day is far distant when we shall be engaged in any struggle, either with foreign nations or between different portions of our own people, other than a friendly rivalry as to which shall excel in those things that tend to make mankind wise and happy.

Our future is in our own hands, if we are true to the principles bequeathed to us by our patriot sires, it will be a glorious one. The vast extent of our territory, which stretches from the frozen regions of the north to the milder latitudes where winter is nknown, the great range of its productions, embracing the most valuable articles of commerce; its untold mineral wealth, manufacturing advantages, “rivers that move in majesty and the complaining brooks that make the meadows green,” its noble bays and secure harbors, make it second, in natural resources, to no other country in the world. But to wise  and far-seeing statesmen these are not all that are required to make a great nation.

I have traveled over the fertile plains of the valleys of the Mississippi, the Missouri and the Ohio, where if the husbandman tickles the bosom of the earth with a spade it laughs with a harvest, through the inexhaustible deposits of coal of my native Pennsylvania, where black diamonds spread riches over the mountain and through the valleys of that noble State. I have stood at night by the side of the streams of molten iron, flowing in rivulets of wealth from the furnaces, but until I saw but little more than a year ago, bleak barren New England, I never fully realized what it was that constituted the true wealth of a nation:

“What constitutes a State?
Not high raised battlements and labored mound,
Thick walls or moated gates,
Not cities proud with spires and turrets crowned,
Not bays and broad armed ports,
Where laughing at the storm rich navies ride.
No; men, high minded men,
Men who their duties know,
But know their rights, and knowing dare maintain.”

I heard recently an anecdote of a stranger, traveling for the first time through New England, who, struck by the general appearance of sterility in the soil and at the same time by the signs of prosperity in the homes of the people, asked a boy what they produced on this barren land, where, as he was told, they shot the corn into the ground with a musket and sharpened the noses of the sheep that they might feed among the rocks. The boy said that it was true that it was a poor country for corn, but they used the rocks for building churches and school houses, in which they cultivated a good crop of men.

Let us then, being stimulated by what we have seen of the good results of such a crop, foster carefully our educational institutions, and impress on the minds of our children the great truth that “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any great people.” So shall we go conquering by the might of truth, and our posterity shall rise up and call us blessed.

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Notice having been given on the previous Saturday that there would be a picnic at 3 o’clock P.M., at the residence of Mrs. Paty, in Nuuanu valley, thrither could be seen wending their way flocks of gaily-dressed children, and carriages filled with older people. The Honolulu brass band reached the grounds soon after three, and was met at the gate by the children, marching in twos. The procession, headed by the band, returned to the grove playing national airs, and continued some ten or fifteen minutes marching and counter-marching, till they surrounded the tables, which were loaded with cakes, sandwiches, cookies, candies, fruits and lemonade, in great abundance. After the lunch was over, the juveniles forms into line again, headed by the band, and marches to the verandah of the cottage, where they listened to an extract or two from the Declaration of Independence, read by His Honor Judge Hartwell. His Ex., the American Minister then addressed them in a few words, when three cheers were given for President Grant, and three more for King Kamehameha V. Here the band struck up the national air, “God save the King;” after which Rev. Mr. McCully made some very appropriate remarks to the children. It was near sunset before the juveniles could be induced to leave the pleasant grove, which for several hours had resounded with their merry shouts, with music and fire crackers, and which had been made still more attractive with a liberal display of flags and evergreens.

There must have been at least three hundred persons present, half of whom were children; and it is surprising what an amount of enjoyment to old as well as young can be compressed into three short hours, and with so little outlay of money judiciously expended. The ladies who assisted, with contributions or otherwise, will accept the thanks of the juveniles and others.

Besides this, there were other picnics, at Waikiki, Waialae, Kalihi, Ewa, and in the valleys near the city; and though there was no general public celebration, the fourth of July, 1870, will be remembered as a pleasant incident in our life in the tropics.